Tony Sparano: Defense cannot rest

This blog invests much time discussing the Dolphins' need on offense.

Coach Tony Sparano has to concern himself with the Dolphins issues on defense as well as special teams.

If you've lost sight of the fact the Miami defense needs attention, click the link and see why it's important the Dolphins don't just forget the other side of the ball. Yeah, the other side of the ball, the one that was the team strength in 2010 but still isn't quite championship caliber.

I outline the things the Dolphins need to happen for the defensive unit to become championship caliber.

I believe Sparano and the Dolphins learned a lesson last year. They spent the entire offseason trying to improve the defense and pretty much let the offense become a stepchild of sorts. Oh, the stepchild got a nice Christmas gift. Brandon Marshall was signed at the high expense of two second-round picks and a multi-million-dollar contract.

But pretty much every other resource -- save for one of seven draft picks -- was used on defense. The coaching staff was adjusted but mostly on defense.

Sparano is living the other half of that coin this offseason, with offensive coaches leaving or being encouraged to leave in droves.

He does not, however, wish to simply forget the defense.

Here's an idea: The Dolphins should address both the defense and special teams in fell swoops. In other words, if the team can use some athletes on special teams (a need) perhaps a linebacker or cornerback in the draft would be a way to go.

Among the names on Miami's radar are Arizona's Ricky Elmore and Brooks Reed. Pittsburgh's Jabaal Sheard is also on the radar.

Sheard comes with at least one red flag. Let's just say he's capable of throwing defenders around because obviously Pittsburgh police believed him capable of throwing citizens around. Sheard is from Hollywood Hills. Sheard was not convicted for his arrest because he pleaded down to disorderly conduct charges and paid restitution for damages.